Next generation in focus at Smalta Girls Pee Wee football tournament

The fifth annual Smalta Girls’ Pee Wee School Football tournament was launched on Friday, where both organisers and sponsors earmarked it as one where the next generation of female footballers will be discovered.

The launch was held at the National Library, where Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, stated he has seen tremendous growth over the years.

“This programme provides the foundation for these girls here to develop, it provides an opportunity for you to interact, socialise and realise your skill through new experiences. Essentially, this continued sponsorship caters for a very integral part of development and enhancement of women’s football in Guyana”.

Mendonca further revealed the tournament was launched this early to give technical officers of the Guyana Football Federation an opportunity to engage the players in developmental sessions for at least two weeks.

The round-robin/knock-out tournament kicks off on November 17 at the Ministry of the Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, where 16 teams are expected to engage in an intense battle for top honours.

Bryan Joseph, Youth Football Development Officer at the Guyana Football Federation, felt this is where the future of the country’s female football lies.

He alluded to the recent ‘Always’ Women’s Developmental National League as one which can become professional in years to come which players from this U-11 can aspire to reach”.

Both Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager Errol Nelson and a representative from Smalta Gabriel Lopes pointed out that the company is committed to supporting football in Guyana and for them to continue to extend their arm of benevolence, they would need the support of the public.

The final is slated for December 18 and the winning team will pocket $200,000, which goes towards a school project of their choice; second place cops $100,000 while third and fourth receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively. South Ruimveldt will start as defending champions.

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